Amazon’s AI walk out

Amazon’s AI walk out, the generative AI was actually powered by 1000 Indians

New Meta AR glasses

DEWA launches smart app on the Apple Vision Pro headset combining augmented and virtual reality

First VR developer integrates with OpenAI, setting stage for no-code VR development

Details:

• Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, which aimed to enable customers to shop without checkout, relied heavily on over 1,000 contractors in India to ensure accurate transactions through manual video monitoring and labeling.

• Despite Amazon's promotion of Just Walk Out as powered by AI technologies like computer vision and deep learning, the involvement of human contractors was not disclosed on its website, highlighting a discrepancy between perception and reality.

• The revelation underscores a broader trend in the tech industry where companies may downplay the human involvement behind supposedly advanced AI systems, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

Why it matters: The report sheds light on the human labor hidden behind the facade of cutting-edge AI, challenging the notion of purely autonomous systems. It exposes a gap between the marketing hype of AI technology and the practical implementation, emphasizing the ongoing reliance on human intervention for AI to function effectively. This revelation prompts a critical examination of ethical considerations, transparency in technology development, and the need for more truthful representations of AI capabilities.

Details:

• Meta plans to demo "true" AR smart glasses, named Orion, at Meta Connect later in 2024, distinct from their existing Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Meta Quest headsets.

• The Orion glasses are expected to offer advanced AR features, distinguishing them from previous products, although specific details about their capabilities remain undisclosed.

• Despite the potential demo, the Orion glasses are not slated for public release yet, with an "internal" launch planned for 2024 and a public release targeted for 2027, according to reports.

Why it matters: The prospect of Meta demonstrating its Orion AR smart glasses represents a significant development in the company's hardware roadmap. By showcasing a more advanced AR product, Meta aims to generate excitement and anticipation for the future of AR technology. However, the decision to withhold public availability underscores the ongoing challenges in perfecting AR hardware and ensuring a seamless user experience. As Meta continues to navigate technological advancements and consumer expectations, its strategic moves in the AR space will shape the trajectory of mixed reality adoption and influence industry standards.

Details:

• Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launches its customer smart services app on Apple Vision Pro glasses, marking the first utility to provide services through AR and VR technology.

• DEWA utilizes the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro to enhance customer services and support its goal of increasing smart adoption.

• Customers can access a range of services through the app, including bill payment via Apple Pay, consumption monitoring, and personalized efficiency tips.

• The move aligns with DEWA's commitment to innovation and providing seamless, convenient services to customers through digital channels, contributing to Dubai's vision of becoming the smartest and happiest city.

Why it matters: DEWA's launch of its smart app on Apple Vision Pro glasses represents a pioneering step in the utility sector, showcasing the integration of AR and VR technology into customer service offerings. By leveraging the advanced features of Apple Vision Pro, DEWA aims to enhance user experience and accessibility, reflecting its commitment to technological innovation and customer-centricity. This initiative not only supports DEWA's strategic objectives but also reinforces Dubai's position as a leading hub for digital transformation and smart city development. Additionally, the significant increase in digital transactions conducted by DEWA customers underscores the growing demand for digital services and the utility's efforts to meet evolving consumer needs in the digital age.

Details:

• Victoria VR integrates with OpenAI, enabling users to access AI-driven capabilities within virtual reality experiences.

• The integration allows users to create 3D VR content without programming knowledge, leveraging AI algorithms for content generation.

• User-created content on Victoria VR is minted as nonfungible tokens (NFTs), introducing a new dimension of tradability to VR creations.

• Adam Bém, CEO of Victoria VR, anticipates AI to drive virtual reality development in the next five years, transforming traditional roles in VR development.

Why it matters: Victoria VR's integration with OpenAI marks a significant advancement in the intersection of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. By enabling users to harness AI-driven capabilities within VR experiences, the platform expands creative possibilities and accessibility for content creation. The ability to design VR content without programming knowledge, coupled with the minting of NFTs for user-created content, democratizes VR development and introduces a new economic model for virtual creations. Furthermore, Adam Bém's projection of AI driving VR development underscores the transformative potential of AI technologies in shaping the future of immersive experiences, suggesting a paradigm shift in the roles and workflows of VR development.